Fact Friday: "He's never done that before!" – Understanding dog body language:
Every dog owner has heard it before—or perhaps even said it themselves: "He's never done that before!" But for the dog itself, its behavior probably wasn't surprising at all. Often, the cause lies in misunderstandings of body language, because dogs communicate primarily nonverbally—just like their wild ancestors, the wolves.
Body language: Recognizing clear signals
Dogs are masters of body language. Ear position, tail carriage, facial expressions, and posture reveal a lot about their mood. While we humans rely heavily on language, dogs express their feelings through subtle (or sometimes very obvious) movements.
Those who pay close attention can often detect signs of discomfort, stress, or aggression long before an escalation occurs. But because many of these signals are overlooked or misinterpreted, situations repeatedly arise that seem to surprise us—but were predictable.
Typical warning signs that are often overlooked
Licking the nose : A sign of stress or insecurity, often used as an appeasement signal.
Yawning at inappropriate times : Not a sign of tiredness, but of stress relief.
Fixed gaze : A clear warning signal that a dog feels threatened.
Crouched posture with ears laid back : A clear sign of fear or insecurity.
Sudden immobility (“freeze”) : A final warning moment before escalation.
Raised lips or growling : A direct indication of discomfort or impending aggression.
Learning from the wolves
A look at wolves shows how clear body language works. There are no misunderstandings because each pack member understands the other's signals. Conflicts are usually resolved through clear, yet de-escalating signals.
Our dogs have retained many of these instincts—but we often don't fully understand them. By learning to pay attention to subtle signals, we can avoid many conflicts and build a deeper bond with our dogs.
So next time your dog "has never done something before," pay close attention. He probably already told you he's going to do it! 🐺🐶